Friday was my day of rest. It felt good, but the only thing that made me feel accomplished was making my own hummus.
Today was "Long Run" day. Four miles. In my head, I had mapped out a good loop, that I was lead to believe would be roughly 4.66 miles. I wanted to push myself a little today so I did my best to hold a strong, quick (well, quick for me) pace for the first half mile, then chug along like I usually do.
I had a soft goal in mind to not walk at all, but I chickened out. So I changed my goal to jog a full mile at a good pace. First half mile was quick (and I was fairly certain I was either going to blow chunks or cough up a lung). I wasn't sure where the second half mile ended, so I just kept chugging along. I was feeling decent, a little tired in the legs, but my breath had caught back up with me, and decided to just keep going until my legs felt like they were going to fall off. That feeling came about ten feet before the street I had chosen to cut over on, so I pushed on for those last ten feet. My legs felt like jello.
Tried to keep my walking at a good "speed walk" (gotta keep the heart rate up!), so as to not counter-act the jog. As I rounded the second half of my loop, I got to thinking: "This feels like a really long way...But I'm probably just tired." I walked for a total of about seven blocks (split over three breaks) on the way home, mostly to rest my quads, and was feeling slightly guilty about it. I decided to really push the last block and a half (my home stretch block), and found myself busting out as quickly as I did at the beginning.
I was pretty sure I was going to pass out when I got to my front door. And I was fairly certain I had been on the road for FAR longer than expected. I checked the time - one hour and five minutes. Meh, kind of what I expected. I logged on to Mapmyrun.com (where I plot out my awesome running loops down to the .01 of a mile), just to see if my previous 4.66 calculation was correct. WRONG! 5.07!
I accidentally jogged an extra .57 miles. Not much to the skilled runner, but to me, lil ol' me, it's quite a victory. Oh, and that full mile I wanted to jog? Actually was 1.52.
Two victories, one jog. Not too shabby.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Redemption
I awoke this morning in a better mood than I expected. My night's sleep was uninterrupted and deep. I chose to relish in my comfort for an extra twenty minutes before sauntering in to the kitchen for my morning glasses of water and juice.
What felt like seconds later, it was 9:35. Seeing as how I procrastinated my run to the very last second yesterday and consequently spent the rest of the day in an awful mood, I decided to hit the road.
I donned my running suit - much like a crime fighting suit worn by Superheroes (I'm serious! I have tights, boxers, a tank top and a jacket. I look prepared to fight crime!) - turned my Zune waaaaay up, and headed out. The clouds literally parted as I began my half mile warm up. I saw blue in the sky, sun, and not a drop of rain for miles. There was a little wind, however no where near as catastrophic as yesterday.
The run (hm, I keep saying run, as if I'm actually exerting enough effort to constitute a run, but to be honest, it's more of a jog) itself was decent. Two walking breaks, but they were short! About three blocks total...out of 3.45 miles. I did stop to stretch - something I've been meaning to add in as part of the routine, but never got around to it because for some reason I felt like it would slow me down more than help (silly Casey) - but not for long.
I still timed a steady 44 minutes for the 3.45 (which equals out to a 12 min 41 sec mile), and at first was disapointed my time didn't lower. However, aiming to be a silver lining kind of person, I thought about how at least my time didn't raise. I feel as though the running gods granted me redemption today. And I must say, lessoned learned. Don't take an unnecessary rest day.
What felt like seconds later, it was 9:35. Seeing as how I procrastinated my run to the very last second yesterday and consequently spent the rest of the day in an awful mood, I decided to hit the road.
I donned my running suit - much like a crime fighting suit worn by Superheroes (I'm serious! I have tights, boxers, a tank top and a jacket. I look prepared to fight crime!) - turned my Zune waaaaay up, and headed out. The clouds literally parted as I began my half mile warm up. I saw blue in the sky, sun, and not a drop of rain for miles. There was a little wind, however no where near as catastrophic as yesterday.
The run (hm, I keep saying run, as if I'm actually exerting enough effort to constitute a run, but to be honest, it's more of a jog) itself was decent. Two walking breaks, but they were short! About three blocks total...out of 3.45 miles. I did stop to stretch - something I've been meaning to add in as part of the routine, but never got around to it because for some reason I felt like it would slow me down more than help (silly Casey) - but not for long.
I still timed a steady 44 minutes for the 3.45 (which equals out to a 12 min 41 sec mile), and at first was disapointed my time didn't lower. However, aiming to be a silver lining kind of person, I thought about how at least my time didn't raise. I feel as though the running gods granted me redemption today. And I must say, lessoned learned. Don't take an unnecessary rest day.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
The Running Gods Don't Take Chastising Lightly
Yesterday was an optional rest or cross train day. I thought about running all day, I really did, but somewhere between a three hour block of Wife Swap, organizing my student loans, and rearranging my corner of the office, I lost track of actually running. I also thought of cross training all day, because I'll be honest, I haven't lifted a finger on the cross training spectrum. So really, I took a rest day, somewhat unjustified. This did NOT make the running gods happy.
Remember when I said that a run the day after a rest day isn't as bad as my mind makes it out to be? Yeah, I lied. WORST. RUN. EVER. TODAY.
First, it was raining. I don't even like walking in the rain, let alone jogging in it. The only thing I like doing in the rain is sitting inside on my couch listening to it in the background as I snuggle up with a fuzzy blanket, hot coffee, and a Meg Ryan movie. I hate the rain. But not only was it raining, it was windy. And I don't mean a light breeze; we're talking wind that knocked my full trash can over and flung my trash down to the end of the block. Wind so strong that my ear buds kept getting ripped out of my ears. I mean gusts of wind so big it didn't even feel like I was moving forward.
During the first mile (post half mile warm up), I had to stop out of pure frustration. I walked WAY more than I usually do, and I couldn't stop the loop in my head that said "This weather fucking sucks, I want to go home, I'm miserable." It SUCKED.
Luckily (and I say luckily because I was certain I was going to give up and walk home), the second half was much better - weather wise. Jogging through the neighborhood there was less of a wind tunnel, and more rain blockage. However, by that point I had apparently already decided to half-ass it all the way home. Sloooooow jog that may have even been slower than my walking. Definitely didn't push myself.
Bottom line, I was not happy with my run today - Both with my performance and the awful weather. All I have to say is...It better not be fucking raining on Race Day.
Remember when I said that a run the day after a rest day isn't as bad as my mind makes it out to be? Yeah, I lied. WORST. RUN. EVER. TODAY.
First, it was raining. I don't even like walking in the rain, let alone jogging in it. The only thing I like doing in the rain is sitting inside on my couch listening to it in the background as I snuggle up with a fuzzy blanket, hot coffee, and a Meg Ryan movie. I hate the rain. But not only was it raining, it was windy. And I don't mean a light breeze; we're talking wind that knocked my full trash can over and flung my trash down to the end of the block. Wind so strong that my ear buds kept getting ripped out of my ears. I mean gusts of wind so big it didn't even feel like I was moving forward.
During the first mile (post half mile warm up), I had to stop out of pure frustration. I walked WAY more than I usually do, and I couldn't stop the loop in my head that said "This weather fucking sucks, I want to go home, I'm miserable." It SUCKED.
Luckily (and I say luckily because I was certain I was going to give up and walk home), the second half was much better - weather wise. Jogging through the neighborhood there was less of a wind tunnel, and more rain blockage. However, by that point I had apparently already decided to half-ass it all the way home. Sloooooow jog that may have even been slower than my walking. Definitely didn't push myself.
Bottom line, I was not happy with my run today - Both with my performance and the awful weather. All I have to say is...It better not be fucking raining on Race Day.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Finding My Stride
I set out today for my three mile jog uncafinated and unmotivated. I chugged along slowly and somewhat lethargically, and was fairly certain I wasn't going to make this jog without several walking breaks. And right as I felt I wanted to give up and walk pretty much the rest of the way, I listened to my rhythm.
My feet made a steady base bump, my running jacket made a complimentary swoosh-swoosh, and my breathing kind of made a nice overlay of a melody. I listened for a little bit, as my Zune rapidly searched for the next song on my playlist.
Then a huge pollution creating truck rolled by and dirtied my air. I could taste the exhaust fumes. I stopped, spit, and walked.
I did my best to just chug along till I got home (only took one more walking break!). Walked in the house and checked the time. Double take! I was only out for 44 minutes? That means a less than fifteen minute mile!
Total distance: 3.45 miles
Total time: 44 minutes
You do the math :D
My feet made a steady base bump, my running jacket made a complimentary swoosh-swoosh, and my breathing kind of made a nice overlay of a melody. I listened for a little bit, as my Zune rapidly searched for the next song on my playlist.
Then a huge pollution creating truck rolled by and dirtied my air. I could taste the exhaust fumes. I stopped, spit, and walked.
I did my best to just chug along till I got home (only took one more walking break!). Walked in the house and checked the time. Double take! I was only out for 44 minutes? That means a less than fifteen minute mile!
Total distance: 3.45 miles
Total time: 44 minutes
You do the math :D
Weekend Recap
Saturday:
Long run day. About four steps in to my run I realized the daunting truth about the task I had chosen - Thirteen miles is very very far. And as my mind became cluttered with self doubt and questions, I breezed through the first half mile. It was a fairly good feeling rounding that first corner and suddenly thinking, "Hey, I'm not out of breath, and I don't feel like I'm going to throw up, and my legs don't really hurt, and, and, I've never done that before!" Okay, scratch that, it was an AWESOME feeling. I'm still chugging along with my 15 minute mile, taking walking breaks when my breath gets caught in my chest, but at least I'm out there doing it.
Sunday:
I had been avoiding telling my friends about this half marathon endeavour. Partly because I'm not sure all of them believe I'll follow through, thus providing doubt rather than support. Partly because I've been trying to avoid those that will hold me to this lofty goal, thus making me feel guilty if I do not succeed (through no fault of their own). But mainly because I'm not doing it for them, I'm doing it for me. Therefore I believe my motivation should come from me.
When I told my roommate, who also holds the title of Best Friend so I thought she deserved to be in on it, her "Good Luck" was delivered with a tone of a less than supportive nature. However I must give her credit for telling me that I had to run on Saturday. There was no "or else," I just had to.
Sunday was the day that I told a friend I had been avoiding telling like the plague. And her response was not what I expected, but also undesired: "Wow, you're making me feel really bad about myself right now. I've been training for almost a year, and I'm not doing mine till August. Now you're just going to whip one out in March." Um...thanks for the support? I chose to avoid the topic for the rest of the day.
Today marks the first day of my longer runs. I've been somewhat comfortably hovering at two miles during the week, pushing up to three miles on the weekends. This week, three miles is my standard. Which means...this is becoming a reality.
Long run day. About four steps in to my run I realized the daunting truth about the task I had chosen - Thirteen miles is very very far. And as my mind became cluttered with self doubt and questions, I breezed through the first half mile. It was a fairly good feeling rounding that first corner and suddenly thinking, "Hey, I'm not out of breath, and I don't feel like I'm going to throw up, and my legs don't really hurt, and, and, I've never done that before!" Okay, scratch that, it was an AWESOME feeling. I'm still chugging along with my 15 minute mile, taking walking breaks when my breath gets caught in my chest, but at least I'm out there doing it.
Sunday:
I had been avoiding telling my friends about this half marathon endeavour. Partly because I'm not sure all of them believe I'll follow through, thus providing doubt rather than support. Partly because I've been trying to avoid those that will hold me to this lofty goal, thus making me feel guilty if I do not succeed (through no fault of their own). But mainly because I'm not doing it for them, I'm doing it for me. Therefore I believe my motivation should come from me.
When I told my roommate, who also holds the title of Best Friend so I thought she deserved to be in on it, her "Good Luck" was delivered with a tone of a less than supportive nature. However I must give her credit for telling me that I had to run on Saturday. There was no "or else," I just had to.
Sunday was the day that I told a friend I had been avoiding telling like the plague. And her response was not what I expected, but also undesired: "Wow, you're making me feel really bad about myself right now. I've been training for almost a year, and I'm not doing mine till August. Now you're just going to whip one out in March." Um...thanks for the support? I chose to avoid the topic for the rest of the day.
Today marks the first day of my longer runs. I've been somewhat comfortably hovering at two miles during the week, pushing up to three miles on the weekends. This week, three miles is my standard. Which means...this is becoming a reality.
Friday, January 8, 2010
The Training Rundown
Some of you are probably thinking, "Casey! Training for a half marathon by MARCH? Are you insane?!" And my answer is, Yes. I absolutely am. However, my work best friend Syd has created a fairly intense yet seemingly accomplishable training schedule.
It breaks down to four days of running/jogging, and three days of rest or cross training.
During these first two weeks (I started Dec.27th), I've taken that word "rest" to the heart. Meaning I spend my off days virtually comatose on the couch catching up on the drama at the Jersey Shore. With this, I've noticed two things: 1.) I lose my motivation for the next morning, and thus feel as though I must drag my ass outside to run. And 2.) The run the day after a day off is not as hard as my unmotivated mind tries to make me believe. It's a bit of a battle.
Today was a run day. Two miles with a half mile warm-up walk. I did well, minimal walking breaks, steady pace, until the last quarter mile. Hol-y Sh-it. My legs burned, running muscles I didn't realize were running muscles were screaming at me to quit, and all I could do was think to myself "Home stretch, half marathon baby." It was relatively motivating, but still a battle.
On tomorrow's schedule? Three miles with a half mile warm-up walk. And then only a mere 10 more to go.
It breaks down to four days of running/jogging, and three days of rest or cross training.
During these first two weeks (I started Dec.27th), I've taken that word "rest" to the heart. Meaning I spend my off days virtually comatose on the couch catching up on the drama at the Jersey Shore. With this, I've noticed two things: 1.) I lose my motivation for the next morning, and thus feel as though I must drag my ass outside to run. And 2.) The run the day after a day off is not as hard as my unmotivated mind tries to make me believe. It's a bit of a battle.
Today was a run day. Two miles with a half mile warm-up walk. I did well, minimal walking breaks, steady pace, until the last quarter mile. Hol-y Sh-it. My legs burned, running muscles I didn't realize were running muscles were screaming at me to quit, and all I could do was think to myself "Home stretch, half marathon baby." It was relatively motivating, but still a battle.
On tomorrow's schedule? Three miles with a half mile warm-up walk. And then only a mere 10 more to go.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
The Beginning of the End
Cryptic title, I know.
Okay: New name + New layout + New purpose = Improved Blog. Yes folks, that's right! I'm bringing you an improved, high powered, deadline driven, Super Blog.
Step one: Explain new name.
As my 25th birthday inches closer to me, I've become more aware that I am one quarter through this expedition we call life. And so for the next year, I'm going to document this milestone in the blogosphere.
Step two: Describe new purpose.
My last blog focused on my quest to find Zen. Which if I do say so myself, fizzled out faster than a cheap roadside firecracker three months after the 4th of July. SO, in order to make this blog work, I've refocused to the root of my problem: Being a perpetual project starter. My resolution for the year 2010, is to FINISH projects that I start. I will chose one project a month to focus on until I finish it. These include - but are not limited to - fitness improvement, dietary improvement, art/craft projects, writing adventures, and of course, producing a fantastic blog.
Here, I shall document my triumphs and pitfalls for the whole cyberworld to see. Here is a glimpse of my projects to be:
Jan - Begin training for a half marathon (slight cop-out because the marathon is in March, but I wanted to start small in order to feel like I accomplished something right off the bat)
Feb - Take on Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred
March - Run a half marathon AND Take on Jillian Michaels' "Making the Cut"
April - Write a screenplay
I have a few other projects in mind, but suggestions are always welcome!
That's all for right now my loyal readers, tomorrow I shall update you on my training schedule.
Okay: New name + New layout + New purpose = Improved Blog. Yes folks, that's right! I'm bringing you an improved, high powered, deadline driven, Super Blog.
Step one: Explain new name.
As my 25th birthday inches closer to me, I've become more aware that I am one quarter through this expedition we call life. And so for the next year, I'm going to document this milestone in the blogosphere.
Step two: Describe new purpose.
My last blog focused on my quest to find Zen. Which if I do say so myself, fizzled out faster than a cheap roadside firecracker three months after the 4th of July. SO, in order to make this blog work, I've refocused to the root of my problem: Being a perpetual project starter. My resolution for the year 2010, is to FINISH projects that I start. I will chose one project a month to focus on until I finish it. These include - but are not limited to - fitness improvement, dietary improvement, art/craft projects, writing adventures, and of course, producing a fantastic blog.
Here, I shall document my triumphs and pitfalls for the whole cyberworld to see. Here is a glimpse of my projects to be:
Jan - Begin training for a half marathon (slight cop-out because the marathon is in March, but I wanted to start small in order to feel like I accomplished something right off the bat)
Feb - Take on Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred
March - Run a half marathon AND Take on Jillian Michaels' "Making the Cut"
April - Write a screenplay
I have a few other projects in mind, but suggestions are always welcome!
That's all for right now my loyal readers, tomorrow I shall update you on my training schedule.
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